COMPUTER SIMULATION OF CARDIAC MECHANICS

Armando Pacher MD, Roberto Lombardo MD

Facultad de Ingeniera Bioingeniera
Universidad Nacional de Entre Ros - Paran, Entre Ros, Argentina
AIM: To design and to develop a computer simulation of the cardiovascular system behavior in
order to be applied in teaching cardiac mechanics.

Bioingeniera

Universidad Nacional de Entre Ros

METHODS: Automatism and conduction; cardiac chambers and

valves; systemic arterial, capillary, and venous, coronary and
pulmonary territories, and systemic arterial pressoreceptors
were simulated using mathematical equations, and Visual Basic
as programming language. All were simplified in order to allow
the execution in real time.
RESULTS: The simplifications made in the design of this
simulation allowed to obtain a software which works in
Initial screen. Menu bars, basic curves (LV volume, pressures of
aortic root, LA and LV), EKG, LV P/V loop with end-systolic
personal computers of wide access (PC-IBM Compatible
straight line and end-diastolic function, numerical values chart.
Basal conditions.
from a minimum configuration of 386 with a RAM of 4 MB),
and from 3 1/2" diskettes.
It operates in real time, and continually and simultaneously
displays pressure, volume, volumetric flows, and derived
curves; left ventricular stress, left and right ventricles
pressure/volume loops; left ventricular stress/volume loop,
arterial pressure/diameter loop, electrocardiogram, end of
systole straight line, end of diastole and numerical values of
significant variables function, and indexes of left ventricular
diastolic and systolic function.

It is possible to access simulations in basal conditions, and

when there are acute or chronic modifications: changes either
isolated or related in inotropism, relaxation, distensibility,
action of pericardium, action of drugs and calcium, preload,
peripheral resistance, elasticity of great vessels, mitral and
aortic valve diseases, isovolumic cycles with fixed and variable
volumes, acute coronary occlusion, step by step simultaneous
generation of curves, loops and electrocardiogram.

Example of menu options: LV diastolic function

It was used as a pedagogical tool, which complemented

teaching in pre and postgraduate courses on cardiac
mechanics physiology and pathophysiology.

Curves of LV volume, LV and LA pressure, instantaneous LV

stress and EKG. P/V and stress/volume loop. Basal
conditions.
Angioplasty simulation: balloon into LAD coronary artery

The software can be obtained

at www.fac.org.ar/modelocv

Basic curves and instantaneous LV stress, P/V and

stress/volume loop. LV decreased contractility and basal
conditions. Numerical values chart of basal conditions.

DISCUSSION: Computer simulation allows learning and practicing without emotional and
time pressures, out of situations of crisis, with a minimum cost. This makes possible a
wide use of it, being, as well, a complement to conventional methodology.

Simulation of LV isovolumic cycles

Loop screen, with P/V of LV (black) and RV (red) simultaneous

graphics in three situations: basal , moderate and severe
decrease of left ventricular contractility. Numerical values
chart of basal situation.

Simulation of mitral acute and severe insufficiency

(3rd and 4th cycles and numerical values chart: basal situation)

CONCLUSIONS: A pedagogical tool was obtained to teach the cardiac mechanics. In

addition, programs showing their results in real time, and simultaneously by loops of
pressure/volume, loops of stress/volume, and curves of pressure, fluxes, volumes, and
instant stress, along the cardiac cycle, were not detected.